Megan La Peyre named associate dean of research and advisory services at William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS
Megan La Peyre ’95 recently joined William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS as associate dean of research and advisory services, bringing an accomplished scientist and experienced academic leader back to the institution where she began her graduate training.
In her new role, La Peyre will guide the Batten School & VIMS’ research enterprise and statutory advisory service, supporting faculty, staff and students as they address complex coastal and marine challenges facing Virginia, the nation and the world. After earning her M.A. at the Batten School, her return marks a full-circle moment for a scholar whose work has consistently focused on applied, interdisciplinary science with real-world impact.
“It’s an honor to return to VIMS in this leadership role, especially at a time when science is so vital to the health of our coasts and oceans,” said La Peyre. “I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students and all of our partners and stakeholders to foster innovative science that bridges disciplines, informs policy and contributes to making a difference to our communities and ecosystems locally and globally.”
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is unique among coastal and marine science institutions in that it is a state agency with a legislatively mandated responsibility to provide unbiased, science-based advisory service to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through this mandate, VIMS scientists and advisory experts inform decisions on issues ranging from fisheries management and habitat restoration to coastal resilience, water quality and infrastructure planning to assist policymakers, local governments, industries and citizens in making informed choices that affect Virginia’s economy, environment and quality of life.
La Peyre succeeds Mark Luckenbach, who served as associate dean of research and advisory services for nearly 13 years and played a central role in advancing both the scope and impact of VIMS’ research and advisory programs. Throughout his tenure, Luckenbach strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration, mentored generations of scientists, and helped ensure that VIMS’ advisory service remained trusted, responsive and grounded in the best available science.
“Megan’s return to the Batten School & VIMS is both a homecoming and a tremendous asset for the state. She brings a deep understanding of our mission, a proven record of scientific leadership and a strong commitment to connecting research with real-world solutions,” said Derek Aday, dean and director of the Batten School & VIMS. “At the same time, we are deeply grateful to Mark Luckenbach for his many years of dedicated service, which helped strengthen our research enterprise and reinforce VIMS’ vital advisory role for the commonwealth. Megan’s leadership will build on that strong foundation.”
La Peyre has spent the last 25 years serving as a research fisheries biologist at the U.S. Geological Service’s Louisiana Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit while also serving as an adjunct professor at Louisiana State University. She has extensive experience leading collaborative research programs, mentoring scientists and students, and translating science into actionable guidance for decision-makers, and she has published more than 120 peer-reviewed scientific publications, book chapters and books related to coastal science, fisheries and habitat restoration and conservation. Her career emphasizes partnerships across academia, government and stakeholder communities — an approach that aligns closely with the Batten School & VIMS mission.
Visit the Batten School & VIMS website to learn more about their research and advisory services.